'Walking Dead' and the many meanings of zombies

AMC

By Patrick Kevin Day As far as monster flicks go, zombie movies are like snowflakes -- no two are the same. Frankenstein movies are inevitably about the dangers of technology run amok, vampire movies are almost always about sex, and you can't make a werewolf movie without saying something about the duality of a man's nature. But zombies can be whatever the filmmakers want them to be. Commentary on class inequality? Zombies can do that. Commentary on the shallowness of the modern lifestyle? Yup, yup, zombies can do that too. And zombies can even work on our behalf, demonstrating just how brain-dead some teenagers can be (and taking care of them in ways we never would). With the eerie "Walking Dead" back on AMC for a fourth season, it's a good chance to examine the many ways zombies have been used to point out the flaws, foibles and quirks in our society.

By Patrick Kevin Day As far as monster flicks go, zombie movies are like snowflakes -- no two are the same. Frankenstein movies are inevitably about the dangers of technology run amok, vampire movies are almost always about sex, and you can't make a werewolf movie without saying something about the duality of a man's nature. But zombies can be whatever the filmmakers want them to be. Commentary on class inequality? Zombies can do that. Commentary on the shallowness of the modern lifestyle? Yup, yup, zombies can do that too. And zombies can even work on our behalf, demonstrating just how brain-dead some teenagers can be (and taking care of them in ways we never would). With the eerie "Walking Dead" back on AMC for a fourth season, it's a good chance to examine the many ways zombies have been used to point out the flaws, foibles and quirks in our society. (AMC)

This indie-style zombie romp unites a quartet of hard-core survivors who go to great lengths to eke out an existence after mad cow disease reaches epidemic proportions. As rule-abiding Columbus, Twinkie-loving Tallahassee and manipulating sisters Wichita and Little Rock join forces and make the journey to Pacific Playland, they also develop familial bonds. And that's what this one is truly all about. As co-screenwriter Rhett Reeves explained to FearNet, "The greatest message would be that home is defined by the people you are with. Your physical home can be taken away from you, but you will always be home if you are with people who love you."

This indie-style zombie romp unites a quartet of hard-core survivors who go to great lengths to eke out an existence after mad cow disease reaches epidemic proportions. As rule-abiding Columbus, Twinkie-loving Tallahassee and manipulating sisters Wichita and Little Rock join forces and make the journey to Pacific Playland, they also develop familial bonds. And that's what this one is truly all about. As co-screenwriter Rhett Reeves explained to FearNet, "The greatest message would be that home is defined by the people you are with. Your physical home can be taken away from you, but you will always be home if you are with people who love you." (David Strick / David Strick's Hollywood Backlot)